Locking system



Nov. 30, 1937. D, BENNETT 2,100,897

LOCKING SYSTEM Filed April 3, 1935' Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR A TTORNEY M. D. BENNETT I 2,100,897

LOCKING SYSTEM Nov. 30, 1937. I

- Filed April 3, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VENTOR BY 777 .08" A TTORNE Y Patented Nov. 30, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LOCKING SYSTEM necticut Application April 3, 1935, Serial 14,426

38 Claims.

This invention relates to a. locking system especially adapted for the locking of money containing structures such as safes and vaults.

More particularly, my invention comprises means for protecting the funds of a bank against attack by a hold-up man.

In the prior art, there have been developed devices which have operated on the principle of a delayed time period for preventing the effective operation of the hold-up man. These devices operate on the principle that the hold-up man will not wait for a predetermined time interval to elapse between the time that a safe is first attempted to be opened and the time that it is actually opened. More in detail, these devices of the prior art include a lock, and time mechanism for preventing the opening of the lock, until a delayed period of predetermined time has elapsedirom an initial opening operation. Thus, when the hold-up man appears and demands that the bank teller open a safe or vault, the bank teller is only able to initiate the movement of a time mechanism. Once the im-e mechanism runs down, access to the safe is possible, but because of the delayed period required, the robber is discourage and leaves.

While such devices are quite efiective, they have their disabilities. In the first place, the hold-up man may be in a. position to wait through the delayed period, as for example, in an early morning hold-up, before the bank is first opened for customers. In the second place, the holdup man will study the bank carefully and will at some time or other observe the opening operation by the teller and will, after the delayed period has expired, enter the bank, hold up'the teller and require him to hand over the currency from the safe which, by this time, has been opened due to the expiration of the delayed time period.

A further difficulty which arises is due to the .fact that the teller will initiate the operation of the time mechanism and will then, upon the expiration of the time interval, permit the structure to remain unprotected by the delayed time mechanism.

In my invention, I utilize to a certain extent the principle of the delayed time interval in so far as that principle is desirable in this art, and I add various devices designed to overcome the undesirable features I have just indicated. My invention includes also other features which will be more clearly understood after a thorough reading of the specification which follows.

More particularly, I utilize a delayed operation with the provision of means whereby, at.

any time during the delayed time period, I can destroy the continuing operation of the time mechanism and thus; require resetting of the. time mechanism to operate once again for the entire duration of the timev interval.

I also provide means'whereby, should the op.- erator set the delayed time mechanism for running, and forget to open the safe at the end of the delayed period, there will be an automatic relocking which will compel resetting of the delayed time movement and a full running of the same before the safe may be opened.

In my invention, I also incorporate means whereby after the running of the, delayed time period, it is necessary toset up a completely new combination before the safe may be opened I also have the structure so arranged that instead of setting up a true combination at this, point, a false combination may be set up to. re: lock the structure and to. send forth ,an alarm. Preferably, also, I arrange that this setting .up of the new combination be done during, a short time interval at the end of the delayed time inerval, compelling the entire resetting 'of the mechanism, if during this short time interval the lock is not operated.

As a further feature of my invention,'I arrange to utilize a series of interlocking chests, the opening of any one-of which prevents the opening of any of theothers, and preferably, I arrange to. accomplish this by rather novelv mechanismand through operation of the locks which are incorporated in the individual chests.

Before proceeding with a description of the drawings and a detailed description of. the operation of my mechanism, it will probably be helpful to indicate generally the construction of the. particular means I prefer to utilize. It may be well also to indicate at this time that whereas in certain instances I obtain my operations by closing the various circuits, it is possible to obtain the same operations by changing the conditions...

and opening various circuits. It is well to in dictate at this time, also, that whereas I utilize a certain type of time'mechanism, it is .possible to utilize other types, such as electric frequency mechanisms, mechanical escapements, etc., and that by special adaptation, a single timer may do the work of the two timers I prefer to use. Along these same lines, I should like to indicate also that whereas I will describe electro-magnetic means whichblock the opening of the safe. structure through cooperation with the combination lock of the safe, it is possible to use a separate electro-magnetic detent. The general impression which I am attempting to leave is, that my system is rather broad in its scope and that it is possible for one skilled in the electric and mechanical arts to devise many and devious ways of obtaining the results which I have indicated and which I will more clearly describe hereinafter. I wish, therefore, to be protected in the monopoly which may be granted me, by including in that monopoly all structures operating generally under the terms set forth in the claims appended hereto. I

In general, I utilize a series of lock structures, each equipped with a door and a lock, preferably of the combination type. In order to prevent retraction of the usual locking bolt of each look, I employ an electro-magnetic detent which, as I indicated previously, might simply be independently adapted to lock the door. There is a circuit for this electro-magnetic detent which when closed retracts the detent from locking position. This circuit is normally maintained in open condition so that the structure is held locked. In order to unlock the structure, it is necessary to set the combination mechanism to a particular combination so that a circuit is closed. through a time mechanism adapted to operate for a period of fifteen minutes. At the end of this fifteen minute period, this time mechanism closes its own circuit and also the circuit of the electro-magnetic detent.

In addition, it closes the circuit of a second time mechanism. This second time mechanism is adapted to run for a predetermined period of time, preferably five. minutes, after which it opens the circuit of the electro-magnetic detent. Because the circuit of the first time mechanism has been made independently of the tumblers, it is possible, during the five minute period of the second time mechanism, to set the combination tumblers to a second combination for retracting the safe bolt and opening the structure. Should the teller neglect to open the safe by setting up the second combination, the second time movement will operate to open the circuit of the electro-magnetic detent, and before that circuit may be closed again, all the time mechanisms and circuits must be restored for the running of the regular delayed time interval.

As a further feature of the invention, the retraction of the safe bolt by the combination mechanism upon the withdrawal of the electromagnetic detent is adapted to break the circuit of the time mechanism so as to compel the resetting of the entire system for the operation of a delayed time interval before the electro-magnetic circuit may once again be closed. Where there are a series of safe structures, it will thus be necessary to wait a full delayed time interval between the opening of each of the structures.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the invention in which four locking structures are utilized. Fig. 2 is a back view of an actual lock assembly. Fig. 3 is a view of a safe structure showing the dial of the lock of Fig. 2 in position for operation.

, Referring now more particularly to the drawings, reference numeral Ill indicates a safe structure, while N indicates a dial of the usual combination type adapted to be operated to unlock that structure. There arethree index points, I2, I3, and I4, relatively to which the dial may be set in order that the gatings of thetumblers be positioned opposite one of the three fences, I5, I6, and I1, shown in Fig. 2.

Reference numeral I8 indicates generally the combination tumblers, while I!) indicates generally the gatings of the tumblers. The construction of the lock shown in Fig. 2, it is thought need not be described in more detail since this construction is very well known in the art. There is only one gating in each tumbler but these gatings may be set opposite any one of the fences I5, I6, or II by the dialing of the same combination but relatively to one or the other of the index points I2, I3, and I4. When the tumblers are set properly, the frictional drag between the fence gear 20 and the fence I5 pivoted on that gear will be sufficient to force the fenc into the aligned gatings. Fences I6 and I! are forced into the aligned gatings by springs I61: and Ila respectively.

.For preventing'the retraction of the bolt 22 through operation of the tumblers and the fence I5, I utilize an electro-magnetic detent 23 controlled by the electro-magnet 24. It will be quite obvious that upon the closing of the circuit of the electro-magnet 24, the detent 23 will be withdrawn and it will be possible to retract the bolt 22'.

Mounted on the fence I6 is a mercury switch 25, While on thefence I! are a pair of mercury switches 26 and 21 Switches 25 and 21 are normally open but switch 26 is normally closed. Piv.- oted at 28 to the lock casing is a member 29 having a connection at 20 with the bolt 22 and also carrying a mercury switch 3|, as is readily apparent. The function of these switches will be explained presently.

I shall now refer to Fig. 1 in which the operation of the various mechanical devices described will be indicated moreclearly. It will be quite obvious that in the condition of each of the looking structures shown in Fig. 1, it will be impossible for the tumblers I8 to retract the bolts 22 through fences H5. The lock shown at the extreme left of Fig. 1 has its tumblers I8 rotated so that the gatings I9 are aligned with the fence I6 rotated by the gatings so that a circuit is closed at mercury switch 25. A complete circuit will be closed as follows. From the plus side of the line at 35 through conductor 36, the normally closed switches 26 in series, conductor 31, conductor 38, switch 25, conductor 39, conductor 49, through the coil 4| of the time device A, conductor 43, conductor 44, the switches 3| in series, conductor 45 to the minus side of the line at 46. will be quite obvious that the magnetic pull of coil 4| will tend to move armature 4'! upwardly against the pressure of spring 48, which movement will be resisted by the air valve 49. The armature will naturally move upwardly during a time interval which may be determined at will. The construction of timer A and the dashpot 42 is shown diagrammatically, but its operation will be readily understood. by those skilled in the art. As was already indicated, the scope of the invention makes it possible to use other timing devices.

The movement of the armature 47 upwardly will finally close a circuit at 50 and 5|, after a delayed period of fifteen minutes from the closing of the circuit at 25. The closure of the circuit at 50 will complete a circuit through conductors 35 and 36, switches 26 in series, conductor 31, conductor 38, switch 50, conductor 52, conductor 53, coil 54 of timer B, and thence to the negative side of the line through conductors 44 and 45. A parallel circuit will be closed through switch 5|, conductor 55, switch 56, conductor 51, and then through the coil 4| of timer A, this circuit being adapted to make the circuit of dashpot 42 inde- 'pendently of the switch 25, so that the tumblers l8 may be rotated to a second combination, as will be indicated more fully later on.

Still a third circuit will be closed through switch 50, conductor 52, conductors 53 and 58, switch 59, conductor 55, and through the electro-magnetic relays 24 in parallel, and thence through conductors 5i and 45 to the negative side of the line at 55. The condition of the apparatus at this time will be as follows. The various relays 24 will maintain the detents 23 in released position so as to permit the retraction of the safe bolts 22. The switches 55 and 59 will be in closed position, but the electro-magnetic timing device B will be operating under the influence of coil 54 in a direction adapted to open the switches at 56 and 59 upon the expiration of an interval of time which I prefer to set at five minutes. five minutes after the closing of the switches 50 and El by timer A, the switches 56 and 58 will beopened and the circuits through the various electro-magnetic relays 24 will be opened so that the detents 23 will once again block the movement of the safe bolts 22.

There remains, therefore, a period of five minutes after the delayed interval of fifteen minutes during which the tumblers 58 may be set to align their gatings l9 opposite the fence [5 for withdrawing the bolt 22. As the bolt is being withdrawn from its position illustrated in Fig. 1 and also in Fig. 2, it will actuate the switch carrying member 29 through its connection 30 so as to open the circuit at switch 3|. This opening of the circuit at switch 3| immediately opens the.

. circuit through timing devices A and B and electro-magnets 24 to reset the entire circuit. Thereafter, it will be necessary to dial the combination tumblers l8 once again to their position illustrated in the extreme left hand lock of Fig. 1 in order to start the operation of the system to permit the release of the various bolts 22.

It will also be appreciated that because the various switches 3| are in series, that the retraction of any one of the bolts 22 will upset the system. Thus, it will be necessary to wait through a delayed period, after opening one safe, before the next safe may be opened. If the system is set so that timing device A operates in fifteen minutes, it will take one hour to obtain access to all four of the interlocked safe structures. Theoretically, if all the bolts 22 are retracted together, in the system as shown, then the interlocking feature need not function. Actually, it is practically impossible to retract all the bolts at the same time.

Referring back again to the system at the time that the relay 54 of the timing device B begins its operation, let us suppose that the teller fails to open ony one of the safe structures by setting up the combination opposite a fence I5. The timing device B will run its course of five minutes and the switches 56 and 59 will be opened. This will immediately destroy the circuit through switch 56 to timing device A. If the tumblers !8 have been allowed to remain in position where the switch 25 is closed, the timing device A will still be in the condition wherein the switches 50 and 51 are closed. However, it will be impossible to close the switches 55 and 59 once again until the circuit through the timing device B is opened once again to make the armature 54a. drop. In order to do this, it will be necessary to open the circuit through timer A at 25, which may only be done by upsetting the combination. Therefore, it is apparent that if,

In other words,

during the five minute period of operation of the timing device B, the bolt 22 is not retracted, then in order to reset'the system, it is. necessary to destroy the combination to. break. the: circuit at 25, and to remake that circuit at 25 if it is 5 desired to retract the bolt.

A further interesting feature of the invention resides in the arrangement whereby, if during the operation of the timing device A in its fifteen minute period, should the teller or other 10 should the bank teller desire to send in an alarm, 20

or to destroy the operation of the system so as to reset the system, he may dial the combination into coaction with the fence. I! so as to open the switch at 26 and close the switch 21. The opening of the switch at 26 immediately opens the 25 electric circuit through the entire system and resets the two timers A and B and permits the dropping of the detent 23 into deadlocking position relatively tothe safe bolt 22. The closing of the switch 21, on the other hand, closes a cir- 80 cuit through conductors and 66 toan alarm device in a manner which may be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

This operation of the combination tumblers relatively to the fence I! may take place when 35 the teller is being ordered by the bandit to set the combination to the opening of the safe. In-

stead of setting the combination to the proper point and in cooperation with the fence 15, the

teller dials the combination to the fence I! to 40 lock the entire system for a further delayed period of fifteen minutes, and to send an alarm to police headquarters.

I claim:

1. In a system of the class described, a structure to be locked, means for locking said structure against access, a time mechanism, a second time mechanism, means whereby said first time mechanism controls the operation of said structure locking means to permit the opening of the 5&-

locked structure after the expiration of a predetermined time period, and means whereby said second time mechanism controls the said structure locking means to prevent opening of the locked structure regardless of the expiration of 55;

said predetermined time period.

2. In a system of the class described, a structure to be locked, means for locking said structure against access, a time mechanism, a second time mechanism, means whereby said first time so mechanism controls the operation of said structure locking means to permit the opening of the locked structure after the expiration of a predetermined period of time from a preliminary operation, and means whereby said second time 65 mechanism controls the said structure locking means to prevent opening of the locked structure upon the expiration of a predetermined period of time following said first predetermined period,

and means whereby said first time mechanism 70 initiates the period of said second time mechanism.

3. In a system of the class described, a structure to belocked, means for locking said structure against access, time mechanism, means Thereafter, a redialing of 15 whereby said time mechanism controls the oper-' ation of said structure locking means to permit the opening of the locked structure after the expiration of a predetermined period of time from a preliminary operation, means whereby said time mechanism controls the said structure locking means to prevent opening of the locked structure upon the expiration of a second predetermined period of time following said first predetermined period, and means whereby said time mechanism so controls the said structure locking means after said second period of time until said preliminary operation is once again performed and said time mechanism runs said first period of time.

4. In a system of the class described, a structure to be locked, electromagnetic locking means for locking said structure against access, a circuit for said electromagnetic means, a time mechanism, a second time mechanism, means whereby said first time mechanism conditions the said circuit of said structure locking means whereby to permit the opening of the locked structure after a predetermined period of time, means whereby the running of said second time mechanism is controlled by said first mechanism, and means whereby said second time mechanism conditions the said circuit for said structure locking means to prevent opening of the locked structure upon the expiration of a predetermined period of time following said first predetermined period.

5. In a system of the class described, a structure to be locked, electromagnetic locking means for locking said structure against access, a circuit for said electromagnetic means, a time mechanism, a second time mechanism, means for starting the efiective running of said first time mechanism, means whereby said first time mechanism conditions the said circuit of said locking means to permit the opening'of said structure after a predetermined period of time, and means whereby said second time mechanism conditions the said circuit of said locking means to prevent the opening of the locked structure upon the expiration of a predetermined period of time following the said first predetermined period.

6. In a system of the class described, a structure, locking means normally conditioned to maintain said structure looked, a time movement, .means whereby the running of said time movement from the beginning to the end of a predetermined period of time controls the conditioning of said locking means to permit the opening of said structure, and time controlled means operating automatically upon the expiration of a second period of time following the first predetermined period of time for offsetting the conditioning accomplished upon the operation 'of said time movement during its period of movement, and means whereby said time controlled means are maintained in said offsetting condition until said time movement is restored to its position denoting the beginning of an operating period.

7. In a lock system, a lock, an electric control circuit for said lock, time mechanism, means whereby said time mechanism operates through a predetermined cycle of time, means for initiating said cycle, means controlled by said time mechanism for closing said circuit after a predetermined interval-of said cycle, and then opening said circuit at the end of said cycle, and means whereby said time mechanism must be restored to the beginning of its cycle and the cycle initiated in order to close said circuit once again.

7 8. In a system of the class described, a locking bolt, an electrical control circuit for said locking bolt, a time mechanism, means for initiating the running of said time mechanism, means for conditioning the electrical control circuit controlled by said time mechanism whereby said circuit may be conditioned after the expiration of a predetermined interval of time to effect movement of said locking bolt to an unlocking position, a second time mechanism adapted for operation for a predetermined period of time, means whereby the operation of said second time mechanism is initiated upon the conditioning of said electrical control circuit, and means whereby said second time mechanism conditions said circuit upon the expiration of its period of operation to effect movement of said bolt to a locking position.

9. In a system of the class described, an electrical control circuit, a time mechanism, means for initiating the running of said time mechanism, means conditioning the electrical control circuit controlled by said time mechanism whereby said circuit may be particularly conditioned after the expiration of a predetermined interval of time, a second time mechanism adapted for operation for a predetermined period of time, means whereby the operation of said second time mechanism is initiated upon the conditioning of said electrical control circuit, and means whereby said second time mechanism conditions said circuit upon the expiration of its period of operation opposite to its condition at the initiation of the operating period of said second time mechanism.

10. In a system of the class described, a locking bolt, an electrical control circuit for said locking bolt, a time mechanism, means for initiating the running of said time mechanism, means for conditioning the electrical control circuit controlled by said time mechanism whereby said circuit may be conditioned after the expiration of a predetermined interval of time to efiect movement of said locking bolt to an unlocking position, a second time mechanism adapted for operation for a predetermined period of time, means whereby the operation of. said second time mechanism is initiated upon the conditioning of said electrical control circuit, means whereby said second time mechanism conditions said circuit upon the expiration of its period of operation to efiect movement of said bolt to a locking position, and means whereby said circuit is locked against restoration to bolt unlocking condition until the initiation and running of a full cycle of said first time mechanism.

11. In a system of the class described, an electrical control circuit, a time mechanism, means for initiating the running of said time mechanism, means conditioning the electrical control circuit controlled by said time mechanism whereby said circuit may be conditioned after the expiration of a predetermined interval of time, a second time mechanism adapted for operation for a predetermined period of time, means whereby the operation of said second time mechanism is initiated upon the conditioning of said electrical control circuit, and means whereby said second time mechanism conditions said circuit upon the expiration of its period of operatic-n opposite to its condition at the initiation of the operating period of said second time mechanism 'to effect movement of said bolt to a locking position, and means whereby said circuit is locked against restoration to its'fir'st condition until the initiation and running of a full cycle of said first time mechanism. I. a

unlocking said structure, electro-magnetic means 12. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers, means operated by said tumblers when properly aligned to a predetermined combination for unlocking said structure, electro-magnetic means for preventing the opening of said structure by operation of said tumblers and said tumbler operated means a circuit for said electromagnetic means, means operable through the setting of the tumblers to a preliminary combination to condition the said circuit and said electromagnetic means to permit opening of the structure thereafter, by the setting of said tumblers to said predetermined combination.

13. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers, means operated by said tumblers when properly aligned to a predetermined combination for unlocking said structure, electro-magnetic means for preventing the opening of said structure by operation of said tumblers and said tumbler operated means prior to the proper conditioning of said electromagnetic means, a circuit for said electromagnetic means, means operable through the setting of. the tumblers to a preliminary combination to condition the circuit and said electromagnetic means to permit opening of the structure, thereafter by the setting of said tumblers to said predetermined combination. and means for reversing the condition of said circuit and said electromagnetic means :after a predetermined elapsed period from its proper conditioning by the means operable through the setting of the tumblers to said preliminary combination, whereby to require the setting of said second or predetermined combination before the expiration of said period.

14. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers for unlocking said structure, electro-magnetic means for preventing the opening of said structure by operation of said tumblers, a circuit for said means, time controlled means for conditioning the circuit to permit opening of the structure, said time controlled means being effective for conditioning the circuit upon operation for a predetermined interval of time, means for initiating the running of said time controlled means operable by the setting of the tumblers to a particular combination, and means for unlocking the structure thereafter upon the setting of said tumblers to a second combination.

15. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers for unlocking said structure, electro-magnetic means for preventing the opening of said structure by operation of said tumblers, a circuit for said means, time controlled means for conditioning the circuit of said electro-magnetic means to permit opening of the structure, said tirne-controlled means being efiectivefor conditioning the circuit upon operation for a predetermined interval of time, means for initiating the running of said time controlled means operable by the setting of the tumblers to a particular combination, means for unlocking the structure thereafter upon the setting of said tumblers to a second combination, and means for reversing the condition of said circuit after a predetermined period from its proper conditioning at the end of said predetermined interval of time, whereby to require the setting of said second combination before the expiration of said period.

16. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers for for preventing the opening of said .structure by operation of said tumblers, a circuit :for said means, means whereby the setting of the tumblers to a particular combination willcondition the circuit of said means to permit opening of the structure, means for unlocking the structure thereafter upon the setting of said tumblers to a second combination, means for reversing the condition of said circuit after ;a predetermined elapsed period from its proper conditioning, whereby to require the setting of said second combination .before the expiration of said period, said means for reversing the condition of the circuit comprising time controlled mechanism, and means for initiating the running of said time controlled mechanism operable coincidentally with the proper conditioning of said circuit.

17. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers for unlocking said structure, electro-magnetic means for preventing the opening of said structure by operation of said tumblers, time controlled means for conditioning the circuit of said electro-magnetic means to permit opening of the structure, said "time controlled means being effective for conditioning the circuit upon operation fora predetermined interval of time, means for initiating the running of said time controlled means operable by the setting of the tumblers to a particular combination, means for unlocking the structure thereafter upon the setting of said tumblers to a second combination, means for reversing "the condition of said circuit after a predetermined elapsed period from its proper conditioning, whereby to require the settingof said second combinationbefore .theexpiration of said period, said means for reversing the condition of the circuit comprising further time controlled mechanism, and means for initiating the running of said further time controlled mechanism operable by said time controlled means.

18. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers for unlocking said structure, electro-magnetic means for preventing the opening of said structure by operation of said tumblers, an electric circuit for said means adapted to be conditioned to permit opening of said structure or to prevent opening of said structure, time controlled mechanism adapted to condition the circuit to permit opening of said structure, said mechanism being movable from a predetermined point to its circuit conditioning point in a predetermined period of time, means whereby the setting of the tumblers to a particular combination initiates .the movement of said mechanism, a second timecontrolled mechanism for conditioning the circuit oppositely to its conditioning by said first time mechanism, said second mechanism being movable from a predetermined point to its circuit conditioning point in a predetermined period of time, means whereby the first time mechanism initiates the movement of said second time mechanism at the time it properly conditions the circuit, whereby the second time mechanism may ofiset the work done by said first time mechanism upon the .ex-. piration of its period of movement, and means whereby the setting of the tumblers to a particular combination during the time interval of the operation of said second time mechanism-and during the proper conditioning of the circuit'is effective to open said structure.

19. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers for unlocking said structure, electr c-magnetic means for preventing the openingiof said structure byoperation of said tumblers, an electric circuit for said means adapted to be conditioned to permit opening of said structure into prevent opening of said structure, timec'ontrolled mechanism adapted to condition thecircuit to permit opening of said structure, said mechanism being movablejfrom a predeterminedpoint to its circuit conditioning point in a-predetermined period of timefineans wherebythe setting of the tumblers to a particular combination initiates the movemefntof said mechanism,"a second time controlled mechanism for conditioning the circuit oppositely to its conditioningby said first time mechanism, said second mechanism being movable from a predetermined point to its circuit conditioning point in a predetermined period of time, means whereby the first time mechanism initiates the movement of said second time mechanism at the time it properly conditions the circuit, whereby the second time mechanism may offset the work done by said first time mechanism upon the expiration of its period of movement, and means whereby the setting of the tumblers to a particular combination during the time interval of the operation of said second'time mechanism and during the proper conditioning of the circuit is effective to open said structure, and means whereby the circuit may be properly conditioned after the running of said second time mechanism by the movement of said first time mechanism back to its initial position and its subsequent running throughits' predetermined period.

20. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers for unlocking said structure, electro-magnetic means for preventing the opening ofsaid structure by operation of said tumblers, an electric circuit for said electro-magnetic means, time' controlled mechanism movable from an initial to a final position in a predetermined period of time, means whereby said mechanism closes said circuit upon reaching its final position, an electric circuit'for operating said time controlled mechanism, means whereby said circuit is closed upon the setting of the tumblers to a predetermined combination, a second time mechanism movable from an initial position to a final position in a predetermined period of time, an electric circuit for operating the same, means for closing the circuit of said second time mechanism when the first time mechanism reaches its final position, means whereby the second time mechanism opens the electromagnet circuit upon reaching its final position, means whereby said tumblers may be set to a predetermined combination during the period of said second time mechanism to open the structure, said electro-magnet circuit being restorable upon the opening ofthe circuit of said second time mechanism to permit movement of said mechanism to its, initial position, which opening re operating said time controlled mechanism, mean whereby said circuit is closed uponthe setting of the tumblers to a predetermined combination, a second time mechanism movable from an initial position to a final position in a predetermined period of time, an electric circuit for operating the same, means for closing the circuit of said second time mechanism when the first time mechanism reaches its final position, means whereby the second time mechanism opens the electro-magnet circuit upon reaching its final position, means whereby said tumblers may be set to a predetermined combination during the period of said second time mechanism to open the structure, said electro-magnet circuit being restorable upon the opening of the circuit of said second time mechanism to permit movement of said mechanism back to its initial position, which opening requires the opening of the circuit of said first time mechanism, and means whereby said circuits are opened by the opening (ii the structure through the second setting up of said combination tumblers.

22. In a system of the class described, a series of protected structures, electro-magnetic means for preventing the opening of each of said structures, an electric circuit for said electro-magnetic means, combination tumblers in each of said structures, means operable upon the proper setting of the tumblers of each of said structures for opening the structures depending upon the condition of the said circuit, means for conditioning the circuit to prevent the opening of any of said locked structures, and means for operating said means in response to the opening operation of the combination tumblers of any one of said structures.

23. In a system of the class described, a protected structure, electro-magnetic means for preventing the opening of said structure, a circuit for said means, combination tumblers, means whereby said tumblers when set at a particular point open said structure when said circuit is first properly conditioned, means whereby said tumblers when first set at a preliminary combination properly condition said circuit, and means for changing the condition of said circuit upon the expiration of a predetermined time period after the said circuit is properly conditioned by the setting of said tumblers to said preliminary combination, whereby to require a resetting of said tumblers to said preliminary combination.

24. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers for unlocking said structure, electro-magnetic means for preventing the opening of said structure by operation of said tumblers, an electric circuit for said electro-magnetic means, time controlled mechanism movable from an initial to a final posi-; tion in a predetermined period of time, means whereby said mechanism closes said circuit upon reaching its final position, an electric circuit for operating said time controlled mechanism, means whereby said circuit is closed upon the setting of the tumblers to a predetermined combination, and so long as said tumblers stay in said position. means whereby the said time mechanism closes its own operating circuit independently of said tumblers upon reaching its final position, whereby it may remain in said position to maintain the electro-magnet circuit closed while said tumblers are moved, and means whereby a second setting of said tumblers may open the said structure.

25.'In a system of the class described, a protected structure, electro-magnetio means for preventing the opening of said structure, a circuit for said means, combination tumblers, means whereby said tumblers are set at a particular point to open said structure when said circuit is first properly conditioned, means whereby said circuit is first properly conditioned by the setting of said tumblers to a preliminary combination, and means efiective to change the condition of said circuit to prevent opening of the structure, and operable a predetermined period after the said proper conditioning of said circuit by the setting of said tumblers to said preliminary combination.

26. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers for unlocking said structure, electro-magnetic means for preventing the opening of said structure by operation of said tumblers, a circuit for said means, time controlled means for. conditioning the circuit of said electro-magnetic means to permit opening of the structure, said time controlled means being effective for conditioning the circuit upon operation for a predetermined interval of time, means for initiating the running of said time controlled meansoperable by the setting of the tumblers to a particular combination, means for unlocking the structure thereafter upon the setting of said tumblers to a second combination, means for reversing the condition of said circuit after a predetermined period from its proper conditioning at the end of said predetermined interval of time, whereby to require the setting of said second combination before the expiration of said period, and means preventing reconditioning of said circuit until said time controlled means are first reestablished to their position prior to their operation through said predetermined time interval.

2'7. In a system of the class described, a structure to be locked, electrically controlled means for locking said structure against access, an electric circuit for said electrically controlled means, time mechanism, means whereby said time mechanism controls the conditioning of said circuit and said electrically controlled means to permit the opening of the locked structure upon the expiration of a predetermined period of time from a preliminary operation, and means whereby said time mechanism controls the conditioning of said circuit and said electrically controlled means to prevent opening of the locked structure upon the expiration of a predetermined period of time following said first predetermined period.

28. In a system of the class described, a structure to be locked, electrically controlled means for locking said structure against access, an electric circuit for said electrically controlled means, time mechanism, means whereby said time mechanism controls the conditioning of said circuit and said electrically controlled means to permit the opening of the locked structure upon the expiration of a predetermined period of time from a preliminary operation, means whereby said time mechanism controls the conditioning of said circuit and said electrically controlled means to prevent opening of the locked structure upon the expiration of a predetermined period of time following said first predetermined period, and means positioned by the running of said time mechanism through said first period adapted to prevent reconditioning of said circuit to permit opening of said locked structure until restored to its position at the beginning of said first period.

29. In a lock system of the class described, a

structure to be lo'cked,:combination tumblers .hav- I ing gatings, means actuated by said tumblers when their gatings are aligned to a particular combination for unlocking said structure, means whereby the setting of the tumblers first to a second particular combination is a prerequisite to the unlocking of said structure by the setting of said tumblers to said first combination, and means effective upon the expiration of a definite period after the setting of said second combination for preventing the unlocking of said structure by the setting up of said first combination until said tumblers are once again set to said second combination.

30. In a lock system of the class described, a structure to be locked, combination tumblers for unlocking said structure, time controlled means for preventing the opening of said structure by operation of said tumblers, means whereby the setting .of the tumblers to a particular combination will start the running of said time controlled means for a predetermined period to permit opening of the structure, means for unlocking the structure thereafter upon the setting of said tumblers to a second combination, and means operable by said time controlled means after a predetermined second time period subsequent to said predetermined first period for once again preventing the opening of said structure by operation of said tumblers, whereby to require the setting of said second combination before expiration of said second time period.

31. In a. lock system, a lock for a structure, a time mechanism adapted to run through a predetermined cycle, means for initiating the cycle of said time mechanism, means controlled by said time mechanism for conditioning the lock mechanism to permit access to said structure after a predetermined interval of time, and for then conditioning the said lock mechanism at the end of the cycle to prevent access to said structure, and means whereby said time mechanism must be restored to the beginning of its cycle and the cycle initiated to once again condition the lock mechanism to permit access to said structure.

32. In a lock system of the class described, a series of structures to be looked, a lock for each of said structures, an electric control circuit for the locks of said structures, the condition of said circuit determining the control exercised by said circuit over said locks, means under the control of a delayed time mechanism for conditioning said circuit to permit access to said structures through operation of said locks, and means whereby the opening of any one of said structures through its lock conditions said circuit to prevent access to the remaining structures.

33. In a lock system of the class described, a series of structures to be looked, a lock for each of said structures, an electric control circuit for the locks of said structures, the conditions of said circuit determining the control exercised by said circuit over said locks, means under the control of a delayed time mechanism for conditioning said circuit to permit access to said structures through operation of said locks, means whereby the opening of any one of said structures through its lock conditions said circuit to prevent access to the remaining structures, and means whereby the said circuit is reconditioned thereafter only after the running of said delayed time mechanism for a delayed period.

34. In a lock system of the class described, a series of structures to be locked, an electric circuit for said structures and means whereby it is adapted when open to prevent access to said structures, and when closed to permit access to said structures, a delayed time mechanism, means under the control of said delayed time mechanism operable when said delayed time mechanism runs through a predetermined delayed period to close said circuit to permit access to said structures, and means whereby the opening of any one of said structures opens said circuit to prevent access to the other of said structures.

35. In a lock system of the class described, a series of structures to be locked, an electric circuit for said structures and means whereby it is adapted when open to prevent access to said structures, and when closed to permit access to said structures, a delayed time mechanism, means whereby said delayed time mechanism must run through a predetermined delayed period as a prerequisite to the closing of said circuit to permit access to said structures, means whereby the opening of any one of said structures opens said circuit to prevent access to the other of said structures, and means for maintaining said circuit open thereafter until said delayed time mechanism runs through a further delayed period.

36. In a lock system of the class described, a structure adapted to be locked, locking means for locking said structure against access, an electric circuit and means in said circuit for controlling said locking means and adapted when said circuit is closed to render said structure accessible through operation of said locking means, and when open, inaccessible through operation of said locking means, a time mechanism and means operable thereby normally maintaining said circuit open and adapted to close said circuit after running a predetermined period of time, a second time mechanism and means operable thereby normally maintaining said circuit closed and adapted to open said circuit after running a predetermined period of time, and means for starting the running of said second time mechanism operated by said first time mechanism after it runs its predetermined period of time and closes the said circuit.

3'7. In a lock system of the class described, a structure adapted'to be locked, locking means for locking said structure against access, an electric circuit and means in said circuit for controlling said locking means and adapted when said circuit is closed to render said structure accessible through operation of said locking means, and when open, inaccessible through operation of said locking means, a time mechanism and means operable thereby normally maintaining said circuit open and adapted to close said circuit after running a predetermined period of time, a second time mechanism and means operable thereby normally maintaining said circuit closed and adapted to open said circuit after running a predetermined period of time, means for starting the running of said second time mechanism operated by said first time mechanism after it runs its predetermined period of time and closes the said circuit, said means operated by said second time mechanism being adapted to remain in circuit opening position until said first time mechanism and the means operated thereby are restored to circuit opening position.

38. In a lock system, a series of structures adapted to be locked, a lock bolt for each structure, control means including an electric circuit for said lock bolts whereby said lock bolts are retractible when said electric circuit is closed, a delayed time movement, means whereby the running of said delayedtime movement for a predetermined period beginning with a predetermined operation is a prerequisite to the closing of said electric circuit, means whereby said cir- MAURICE D. BENNETT. 

